Summer allergies? Dust mites in your bedding may be to blame

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While many people welcome summer's longer, sunnier days, allergy sufferers are usually not as receptive to the season. After all, watery eyes make it a little harder to enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers.

Even those with dust mite allergies — who experience symptoms all year — might notice a surge in runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing as the weather heats up. That’s because dust mites thrive in bedding and clothes, and flourish when the humidity increases.

“Dust mites are microscopic," said Dr. Stephen Kimura, an allergist in Florida. "They live off dead human skin, and your bedding is where they hang out.”

Dust mite allergies are even grosser than many people realize. “It is going to sound pretty disgusting — it is actually the dust mite droppings that people are allergic to,” Kimura said.

Best Mattress Covers, Pillow Covers and Sheets

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The Evolon allergy mattress protector is also available at Wayfair and Walmart.

Specifically designed to keep dust mites and other allergens from settling into mattresses, this breathable, washable microfiber mattress cover features a zip-up design. It provides the protection of a plastic encasement without the crinkly feel and sound of plastic.

This breathable mattress pad repels liquids and blocks dust mites and other allergens from getting into the mattress. Additionally, its special fabric keeps the mattress cool, helping people who overheat at night.

These cotton pillowcase covers protect pillows from dust mites and bedbugs without the uncomfortable feeling, sound and smell of plastic covers. They also shield pillows from saliva and other liquid stains with a water-resistant material.

Like the SureGuard pillowcases, the mattress encasement is made of an odorless, comfortable cotton material. With its tight weave, it protects mattresses from dust mites and bedbugs while wicking away liquid to keep sheets cool and dry.

These brushed microfiber, 100 percent polyester bedsheets are hypoallergenic. They block dust mites using a material that's more durable than cotton. They also stay cool and dry at night for comfortable rest.

These quick-drying sheets are made of a fabric that circulates air to keep people cool at night. The hypoallergenic material also makes it difficult for dust mites and other allergens to flourish in them. They’re available in full, queen, king and California king sizes.

(For a cheaper alternative to the BedGear sheets, check out the Sheex athletic cooling sheets. They're currently on sale for just $60 on Amazon, but usually cost $160. One of our editors uses them all summer!)